micafungin and 4-hydroxyphenylethanol

Fungal quorum-sensing molecules may have an inhibitory effect as adjuvant against Candida biofilms. Therefore, in vitro activity of caspofungin and micafungin was evaluated against Candida parapsilosis biofilms in the presence of tyrosol.. Interactions were assessed using fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) determination, metabolic activity-based time-kill experiments and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tyrosol caused 1-16-fold and 2-32-fold decrease in median caspofungin and micafungin MICs respectively. Based on FICI, synergy was observed in isolates 27001 and 17820 with caspofungin and 27001 with micafungin. In time-kill experiments, the metabolic activity reduction was higher for micafungin compared to caspofungin at 24 h especially when used in 64 and 256 mg l. Considerable metabolic activity reduction and cell damage was detected for combinations especially in the case of micafungin.. Our findings support the development of new alternative therapeutic strategies against C. parapsilosis biofilms.

Topics: Antifungal Agents; Biofilms; Candida; Caspofungin; Echinocandins; Humans; Lipopeptides; Micafungin; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Phenylethyl Alcohol